Last Updated on February 20, 2026
Usher in one of 2026’s new travel trends: the ‘skillcation,” a blending of both skill and vacation. I, for one, think it’s a great way to balance learning with escapism.
A recent trend report by Hilton revealed that 72 percent of travelers say they desire to learn a new skill, passion or hobby on vacation, revisit an old passion, or master a current one. Unlike traditional tourism, a skillcation focuses on structured learning (classes, workshops, certifications), immersive local experiences, personal or professional growth, and short-term, but intensive skill development.
Popular skillcations include culinary arts, language immersion, creative arts (painting, writing, music), wellness and mindfulness, outdoor adventure skills and professional certifications such as scuba diving or sommelier training. These types of trips appeal to travelers who seek more meaningful experiences, social connection, and a sense of accomplishment beyond relaxation. They are especially popular among millennials and Gen Z travelers seeking more experiential vacations.
With these criteria in mind, here are some top hotels and resorts that offer programming and activities ideal for learning or improving personal skills. And to boot, they are located in some incredibly picturesque destinations.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
Whether refining technique or learning a new racquet sport, Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, located in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island offers expertly-led tennis and pickleball clinics for players of all abilities. Held daily at 9 am on the resort’s tennis courts, each session is guided by professional coaches and personalized instruction.
With all equipment provided and multiple court options, including one dedicated pickleball court and tennis courts configured for both sports, guests can easily elevate their game in paradise.
Rosewood Mandarina
Set along Mandarina’s lush flatlands beneath the Sierra Madre peaks of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, guests at this new luxury resort have the opportunity to learn the sport of polo at the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club.
From November through May, travelers of all ages can take private polo lessons, catering to beginners and experienced riders alike, while the equestrian center also offers horseback riding lessons. After gaining a better understanding of the sport, guests can enjoy a live polo match. The resort’s polo program reflects the region’s authentic equestrian heritage – Riviera Nayarit neighbor Guadalajara, a renowned hub for horse breeding and Mexico’s centuries-old charrería tradition, making it a natural home for world-class polo instruction.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Transform your getaway into a true skillcation at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, an iconic Caribbean resort set along a half-mile crescent of white sand and turquoise water in the British Virgin Islands.
Originally envisioned by Laurance Rockefeller as a nature-immersed hideaway, the resort blends barefoot luxury with a deep connection to its surroundings—making it an inspiring place to learn something new. The resort’s racquet sports program offers expert-led instruction for all levels, with a focus on enjoyment, fitness, and skill progression. From Tuesday through Friday, guests can take part in pickleball drills, tennis groundstroke sessions, cardio tennis, clinics, and friendly tournaments—all designed to build confidence and keep play social and engaging.
Set in lush tropical surroundings with sweeping Caribbean Sea views, Rosewood Little Dix Bay’s racquet sports facilities rank among the region’s finest. State-of-the-art hard courts, including two signature courts perched above the bay, offer an exceptional playing experience enhanced by expert coaching, pristine conditions, and stunning scenery.
Rosewood Bermuda
At Rosewood Bermuda, guests are invited to engage with the island’s marine heritage in a meaningful, hands-on way through the Coral Gardens Project in partnership with Living Reefs Foundation. This guided snorkeling experience offers an intimate look beneath the surface, where guests learn how to plant and restore coral fragments that support Bermuda’s fragile reef ecosystems.
Equal parts education and immersion, the experience allows travelers to leave a lasting impact while gaining a deeper appreciation for the ocean that defines the destination.
Grand Hyatt Vail Resort & Spa
Nestled along Gore Creek in Vail, the Grand Hyatt Vail Resort & Spa offers guests access to one of Colorado’s most iconic warm weather pursuits through guided fly-fishing experiences.
Partnering with Eagle River Outfitters, the resort hosts summer classes led by seasoned experts who introduce guests to the fundamentals of casting, technique, and local waterways. For those easing into the sport, the resort’s Casting and Cocktails sessions provide an approachable entry point, pairing dry land instruction with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail, blending outdoor adventure with relaxed après style.
Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook and Grand Bohemian Charleston
At Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook, Alabama, and Grand Bohemian Charleston, South Carolina, guests can step into the role of a sommelier through an immersive wine blending experience that explores the artistry behind the bottle.
Guided by experts, guests learn how grape varietals, regional influences, and aging techniques shape flavor and structure, before creating a custom blend of their own. The experience concludes with a personalized, custom labeled bottle to take home, along with a deeper understanding of wine craftsmanship and a set of newly earned sommelier bragging rights.
